Look How FarVisual steps: hand washing, teeth, dressing
A hand washing visual and two more picture sequences on one page: washing hands, brushing teeth and getting dressed, six steps each, to cut out and put up by the sink and the wardrobe.
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1 page · black and white · no sign-up
Why it helps
Self-care tasks are long chains of small steps. A child who knows “wash your hands” may still get stuck on what comes after the soap. Breaking the task into pictures, in the same order every time, lets your child follow along without spoken reminders — and shows you exactly which step is the hard one.
What is on the sheet
One page with three strips of six numbered pictures. Washing hands: water on, soap, rub, rinse, water off, dry. Brushing teeth: toothpaste, top teeth, bottom teeth, spit, rinse, rinse the brush. Getting dressed: underwear, trousers, socks, T-shirt, jumper, shoes. Under each strip, a line for what helps.
How to use the visual steps
- Cut out one strip and put it where the task happens: the hand washing strip above the sink, the dressing strip by the wardrobe.
- Do the task together a few times, pointing at each picture before the step. Use the same words every time.
- Step back little by little: point instead of talking, then let your child point. Help with one step only when needed.
- If your order is different — socks before trousers — cut the pictures apart and stick them in your order.
When to show it to a specialist
If your child finds the feel of water, toothpaste or clothes very hard, or a step does not get easier over months, an occupational therapist can help. A dentist who knows autistic children can suggest toothpaste with less taste or foam and a brush that bothers your child less.
Questions parents ask
What is a hand washing visual?
A row of pictures showing the steps of washing hands in order. Children follow it on their own, without having to remember each step or listen to reminders.
Should I cut the steps apart?
Keep the strip in one piece at first. Cut the pictures apart if your order is different or if your child likes to take each picture off when the step is done.
How long until my child can do it alone?
It varies a lot — from days to months. Count the steps your child does alone, not the whole task: four steps out of six is progress.
Can we use it at school?
Yes. The same pictures at home and at school make it easier. Give the teacher a copy for the class sink.
These sheets are for observations. They do not diagnose and do not replace your child’s doctor or specialist.
